Age restrictions when hiring a car in Australia

Wondering what kind of age restrictions apply to car rental in Australia? While each rental provider will be slightly different in their rules around age limits, there are some general requirements, including:

• Drivers must be 21 or older to rent a vehicle
• Drivers under 25 may be subject to additional fees and restrictions
• Drivers over 75 may need to provide a medical certificate
• Drivers must hold a full and unrestricted driver licence

I’m under 25. What fees and restrictions will apply?

Drivers below the age of 25 are subject to a Young Driver Surcharge, which is a daily fee applied by the rental provider. This amount will vary depending on which rental provider you are renting through. Additionally, there may be restrictions around which types of vehicles you will be able to rent.

As with any car rental agreement, make sure you understand all the fees that will be charged. Check out the terms and conditions for each rental provider to see their specific requirements, fees, and restrictions.

I’m over 75. Why do I need to provide a medical certificate?

Whilst there is technically no “maximum age” for car rental, some rental providers will request that drivers over 75 years old provide a medical certificate indicating they are fit to drive. It’s best to call ahead to the rental depot to find out their specific requirements. Furthermore, it is the depot’s prerogative to refuse a rental car to drivers over 75.

I’m not 21 yet. Can I still rent a car?

Unfortunately, the rental providers we compare here at VroomVroomVroom require drivers to be at least 21 years of age.

I don’t have a full licence yet. Can I still rent a car?

Car rental providers will not rent their vehicles to learner drivers, and generally require drivers to possess a full, unrestricted licence. In the case of provisional licence holders (drivers on P plates) certain rental providers may grant exceptions if particular conditions are met, typically that P-platers have held their provisional licence for at least 12 months and are at least 21 years of age. As always, it’s best to call ahead to the rental depot to confirm their requirements prior to making a booking.

Which car rental providers rent to drivers under 25?

If you are aged between 21 to 24 and have held a full, unrestricted licence for more than 12 months, you will generally be approved for a rental car by the following rental providers:

• Avis
• Budget
• East Coast Car Rentals
• Enterprise
• Europcar
• Hertz
• Thrifty

The specific depot could make a difference, though, so it’s best to check ahead with the rental provider if you are under the age of 25. And remember, an additional age surcharge will apply to you if you are under 25 years old.

For drivers under 25, please note:

• You cannot circumvent the additional fees by booking the rental in an older driver’s name.
• All drivers must be registered regardless of who signs the agreement.
• If an unregistered driver is involved in an accident, they will not be covered and all insurances are null and void. Make sure you register all potential drivers.

If you need help in booking your rental, or would like to discuss your options, feel free to contact us.

Important:

Age restrictions

Before you can drive in Australia, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your license for one year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur an additional young driver surcharge. There is no maximum driving age in Australia, however, make sure to ask your car rental provider or contact your rental depot to confirm eligibility.